Recent Posts in the Adoption Category

• Common Obstacles When Stepparents and Second Parents Adopt

  Oct 18, 2021
  Although being a stepparent is rewarding, many stepparents struggle when they encounter situations in which the legal rights associated with parenthood don’t apply to the relationship they have with their stepchildren. That is why stepparent adoption is such a major milestone for blended families. There are two common types of adoption in Washington, stepparent adoption and second-parent adoption. Stepparent adoption is a legal process by which the spouse of one of the biological parents legally adopts the child and the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• FAQ: Stepchild Adoption In Oregon

  Aug 25, 2021
  Oregon residents who want to adopt a stepchild should work closely with an experienced adoption attorney who can take the time to walk them through each phase of the process. In this blog, our attorneys answer common questions that clients ask us about adopting stepchildren in Oregon. Question #1: Can a stepparent adopt a stepchild in Oregon? A: If a stepparent wants to adopt a stepchild, they must be an Oregon resident for at least 6 months and both biological parents must give consent. However, permission from both ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• FAQ: Adopting a Child in Washington

  Jun 4, 2021
  Deciding to adopt a child is a huge step that will substantially impact the lives of everyone involved. For those hoping to become adoptive parents, it’s crucial to understand the laws for adoption in the state of Washington. Question #1: Who can legally adopt a child in Washington? A: Any person who is legally competent and eighteen years of age or older can be an adoptive parent in Washington. Adoptive parents must also have an approved home study. Question #2: What is a home study? A: The home study is an assessment that ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Common Family Law Issues for Same-Sex Couples

  Oct 23, 2017
  Marriage equality may have felt like a big leap and in many ways, it was, but we still have a long way to go before same-sex couples enjoy true legal equality in family matters. Just like any other couple, same sex-couples often wish to get married, start families, and live their lives with a healthy dose of peace and happiness. Unfortunately, certain legal issues and long-standing prejudice can stand in the way of family life for the LGBT community. Some of the more common family law issues for same-sex couples include: ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• 5 Ways an Attorney Can Make the Adoption Process Easier

  Nov 14, 2016
  Making the decision to adopt a child is an exciting time for your family, but the adoption process can be tricky without the guidance of an experienced attorney. It is important to retain qualified legal counsel to guide you through the adoption process to ensure that all aspects of the adoption run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. An attorney can also help you stay informed throughout the entire process so that you can avoid costly and time-consuming setbacks. Here’s why you should work with an attorney throughout ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• The Stepparent's Guide to Adoption

  May 20, 2015
  Families pursue stepparent adoption for many reasons. Blending families is never easy, but stepparent adoption has many advantages and formalizes the relationship between a child and his/her stepmother or stepfather. Like any form of adoption, adoption by a stepparent can take time and may entail guidance from a family attorney. With the help of a Washington family law lawyer, you can navigate the legal process ahead. Learn more about stepparent adoption or get in touch with a legal representative from McKinley Irvin for ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• The Best Countries for International Adoption

  Oct 31, 2014
  Adoption is a big decision, and international adoptions come with even more choices. If you're considering an international adoption, the first question you need to answer is, “Where should I adopt my child from?” International adoptions can feel like an unending obstacle course of paperwork and legal complications, but some countries are more receptive to adoptions than other locations. Some of the most popular countries for international adoption are: China Ethiopia South Korea Ukraine Kazakhstan Haiti India The ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• 7 Potential Adoption Roadblocks

  Sep 18, 2014
  Whether voluntary or involuntary, a parent's rights must be terminated before their child can be adopted. Adoptive parents will tell you that there are many potential roadblocks you can encounter along the way, so it is advised that you retain a skilled adoption lawyer. Below are some factors that could present difficulties on your road to adoption – Age In Washington, you can adopt as long as you are over the age of 18. However, age is still a factor judges might consider. What matters more than age though is how maturely ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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